John Lee Mahin (1902–84) was an American screenwriter and film producer known for his contributions to Hollywood’s Golden Age. His sharp dialogue and engaging narratives made him a favorite of Clark Gable and Victor Fleming.
Born in Evanston, Illinois, Mahin attended Harvard University, initially pursuing journalism. He transitioned to screenwriting after meeting Ben Hecht, who encouraged him to move to Hollywood. His breakthrough, Scarface (1932,) co-written with Hecht, established him in the crime genre.
During World War II, Mahin served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Forces alongside Gable. He later distanced himself from the Screen Writers Guild over political concerns and co-founded Screen Playwrights, Incorporated.
Mahin became a top MGM screenwriter, working on Red Dust (1932,) Treasure Island (1934,) Captains Courageous (1937,) Test Pilot (1938,) and Show Boat (1951.) His adaptation of Captains Courageous earned an Academy Award nomination. His final screenplay was Moment to Moment (1966.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by John Lee Mahin
No man will ever be a big executive who feels that he must, either openly or under cover, follow up every order he gives and see that it is done-nor will he ever develop a capable assistant.
—John Lee Mahin
Topics: Business
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